The toughest vacation you'll ever love

This photo was taken on the beach in Morandava, Madagascar in July, 2008. A volunteer's work is never done, but even volunteers get some vacation days. This photo was taken while I was on vacation from my site in Ambatofinandrahana. While sitting on the beach, I attracted the interest of a group of local girls. When I began speaking to the girls in their native language, Malagasy, they became even more interested! This was an example of just one of many great opportunities that I had to share American culture with local people. These children had a certain view of tourists that was challenged by someone like me who could really converse with them. I explained that I was actually an American teacher, living and working in Madagascar. We had a great time talking and playing. It was times like these that led many host country nationals I encountered to think that ALL Americans spoke Malagasy! "In what grade do you begin studying Malagasy in America?" they would ask.